i84 UNDER THE AFRICAN SUN 



some flaunting a conspicuous blue and white dress, others a 

 sombre red and black. Other species, however, were also re- 

 presented. I picked up a fine specimen of the rhinoceros-beetle, 

 and the shining black cetonia burrowed in and out amongst 

 the thatch. 



To prevent the river-side of the fort from gently sliding 

 one day into the river, a part of it has been banked up. This 

 spot, with the grateful shade of an adjoining tree, seems indicated 



DRAWBRIDGE OF FORT FOVIRA. 



by Nature as the very place for the afternoon cup of tea. Here, 

 in the soft balmy atmosphere, with the silver sheen of the silent 

 river at one's feet, and the deep blue of heaven's endless space 

 overhead, with the sleepy drone of beetles humming around, 

 and the ringdoves cooing from the stately palms, one yields to 

 the gentle spirit of poetry which breathes around the scene, and 

 one welcomes : — 



This hour of restful pleasure 



As a foretaste of pleasures to come, 



Which angels of God cannot measure, 

 Which mind of man cannot sum ! 



